Tower & TapTower & TapTower & TapTower & Tap

April 2010April 2010April 2010April 2010

In this Issue:

Church News ............................... 4 - 5 SMRA/100 Club winners................. 8

Church Services Schedule................. 6 Friendly Club.................................. 9

Church Office ................................... 6 Gardening Club.............................. 9

Parish Council ................................. 7 Youth Club............................. 10 - 11

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MonMonMonMon TueTueTueTue WedWedWedWed ThuThuThuThu FriFriFriFri SatSatSatSat SunSunSunSun

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2 Mixed Plastics

Wheelie Bins

Green Waste

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5 Youth Club 10-13 Yrs Village Hall

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7

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9 Youth Club 6-9 Yrs Village Hall

10 The Meeting Point 9.30-12 Village Hall

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12 Gardening Club Village Hall 7 pm

13 Friendly Club 7 pm Village Hall

14 Craft Company 2 pm Mary Cooper’s house

15 16 Mixed Plastics

Wheelie Bins

Green Waste

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19 Youth Club 10-13 Yrs Village Hall

20 All Sorts SM School 1.30-2.45

Parish Council 7.30 pm Village Hall

21 Tots ‘n’ Toddlers 9-11am Village Hall

SMRA 8 pm Village Hall

22 Police Surgery SM Hotel 7 pm

23 Youth Club 6-9 Yrs Village Hall

24 Saturday Scene Village Hall 4.00 pm

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26 Youth Club AGM, Carriers Arms 7 pm

27 All Sorts SM School 1.30-2.45

28 Tots ‘n’ Toddlers 9-11am Village Hall

29 30 Mixed Plastics

Wheelie Bins

Green Waste

April 2010

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Dear Friends,

Isn’t it good to see the sun shine….but oh dear the dust and the

cobwebs are being shown up in places I hadn’t notice they’d

gathered during winter. I think that happens in our lives. We

jog along happily and get ourselves into ruts or creating habits

we weren’t aware of—then something happens which makes us

aware of them. Sometimes these things can be good news like

the sun today but sometimes they are events which bring

sadness and make us re-evaluate our lives.

For a Christian Easter does the same. When Christ’s light

shines into our hearts in the form of his encompassing love we

feel strangely warmed, full of joy and expectation . That self

same love however also shows the dirt and cobwebs we gather

in the depths of our hearts. What’s needed is a spring clean and

so through Lent we allow God’s love to help us out; the clutter

gets removed as we acknowledge its existence and clear it

away as we say sorry. Then receiving the great love which we

celebrate at Easter, we find we are made completely new; and

filled with inexpressible joy and peace. What is that love?

It’s the love that sets us free to be what God made us to be, His

children. Jesus Christ’s death on the cross, and his resurrection

is like a tornado clearing the path of everything in its way—all

the debris, the baggage, we collect that separates us from God’s

infinite love is swept away. The bad old stuff from the past is

swept away and the present is full of deep joy, whilst the future

holds no fear. Do you want to experience this for yourself?

Then come and join in our celebrations; we’d love to see you!

George and I, together with the Ministry Team and the

Churchwardens wish you a very happy and blessed Easter.

God Bless,

Vicky Fleming

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Church News

The next High Five service for children up to 5 years will be on Friday 7th May at 10am—No service in April (School Holidays)

‘Craft Company’ we are meeting again at Mary Cooper’s house (Dryden House) on Wednesday 14th April at 2pm More details form Mary or Vicky Fleming

The Fellowship Supper We had a lovely relaxing supper with hot baked potatoes and different fillings, gammon, chicken pieces, and salad. These were followed by sumptuous deserts and all washed down with a glass of wine. It was great to celebrate the good events of the year and to look forward to the future. Those who came wondered why more people didn’t respond to the open invitation. We enjoyed the evening so much, that people have asked to do it more often and so we shall be having a social evening in the autumn. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the food, setting up and clearing up - and to those who supported the

evening.

Saturday Scene Saturday Scene Saturday Scene Saturday Scene meets on 24th April in the meets on 24th April in the meets on 24th April in the meets on 24th April in the Village Hall 4Village Hall 4Village Hall 4Village Hall 4----5.15pm. 5.15pm. 5.15pm. 5.15pm. An exciting church event for young families. Stories, songs, crafts, games and food. Contact Donald Page on 825693

The 7.30 ClubThe 7.30 ClubThe 7.30 ClubThe 7.30 Club for 10 to 16 year olds from Stratton, Stanton & South Marston

Held on alternate Sunday Evenings 7.30pm to 8.45pm at St Margaret’s Centre Please call the St. Margaret’s Church Office

for more information

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The Meeting Point Coffee morning with table top sales

(Please book your table by 7th April: £5 for people who live in the village, £10 for those outside and free to village organisations )

10th April from 9.30 –12 noon In the Village Hall

Refreshments provided by South Marston Church Those who come often remark about the enjoyment of sitting down with a neighbour they haven’t seen for a while with a

cake in one hand and a coffee in the other.

We look forward to seeing you

Celebrating Easter Celebrating Easter Celebrating Easter Celebrating Easter

2nd April, Good Friday 10am Family Service at St. Margaret’s, Stratton

2pm An hour round the cross St. Leonard’s Stanton Fitzwarren

4th April Easter Day 8am Holy Communion BCP

11am Family Communion

6.15pm Holy Communion, St. Margaret’s, Stratton

Come on and celebrate his gift of love!Come on and celebrate his gift of love!Come on and celebrate his gift of love!Come on and celebrate his gift of love!

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The Parish Church of South Marston is part of the Stratton St. Margaret

Team. The Church office is located at St. Margaret’s Church Centre,

Kenwin Close, Stratton St. Margaret.

Office hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from

8.30 am – 12 pm, email stmargaretsoffice@tiscali.co.uk or tel 826505.

All enquiries for christenings and weddings should be made to the

Rev’d Vicky Fleming on 827021. Team Staff Members are:

Team Rector - to be appointed

Team Vicar - The Rev'd Vicky Fleming - 827021

Hon Curate - The Rev'd Phil Ashby - 759008

Lay Minister - Dan Read - 763016

Lay Minister - Christine Burston 822403

Lay Minister - Rob Stewart - 766713

Church Office

Church Services (all at South Marston Church unless otherwise stated)

4th April 8.00am Holy Communion

11.00am Family Communion

11th April 10.00am TEAM SERVICE St Margaret’s

18th April 9.30am Holy Communion

25th April 8.00am Holy Communion

9.30am Morning Worship 2nd May 11.am Family Service

9th May 8.00am Holy Communion

11.00am TEAM SERVICE Stanton Fitzwarren

Tower & Tap Submissions

Please email items for Tower & Tap to kaylong@btinternet.com or

drop any article in to The Maples, South Marston (next to the

Vicarage). The deadline for May 2010 issue is 15 April 2010.

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South Marston Parish Council News

Jean Franklin Presentation

Village Development

Village Transport Report The Borough’s consultants, JMP Ltd, have produced a comprehen-

sive report identifying the existing traffic related problems in the

village and providing options for dealing with lack of footpaths at

Pound Corner and Thornhill Rd and for dealing with traffic speed

issues. The report does NOT deal with traffic issues that would

come from an expanded village under the Eastern Development

Area (EDA) as this would be dealt with when details of any

expansion plans were known. It concentrates on improving

pedestrian access & safety rather than improving traffic flow.

The report has to be presented to the Borough before it is made

available to the public.

Workshops It is planned to hold a meeting of the Village Development

Working Party early in April to discuss the implications of the

Transport Report and comments from the Parish Council’s

consultants, NEWMasterplanning. A series of mini workshops,

seeking the views of members of the various village organisations,

will take place in April & May and a full workshop, open to all

residents will take place in late May. Please refer to the website

and the village notice boards for details.

Jean Franklin has retired from

the Parish Council after 35 years

service as a Councillor.

At the Parish Council meeting

on the 16th March, the chairman,

Colin McEwen presented Jean

with a collage of views of the

village.

He thanked her on behalf of the

whole village, for her time and

commitment to the life of the

community over the years and

her willing contribution to the

activities of the Council.

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FUND RAISING FUND RAISING FUND RAISING FUND RAISING AUCTION AUCTION AUCTION AUCTION EVENINGEVENINGEVENINGEVENING

Fri day 7Fri day 7Fri day 7Fri day 7thththth May 2010May 2010May 2010May 2010 at theat theat theat the

South Marston HotelSouth Marston HotelSouth Marston HotelSouth Marston Hotel

Doors open at 6.30pmDoors open at 6.30pmDoors open at 6.30pmDoors open at 6.30pm Tickets £1.00 eachTickets £1.00 eachTickets £1.00 eachTickets £1.00 each

Just some of the promises donated so far: Gardening Services, Golf Lesson, Ironing Services, Pamper Hamper & Party, Reflexology and lots

more ...

For details on making a donation or buying a ticket please contact Rachel Case on 832719 or

email rcase@sky.com

Raising funds for South Marston Tots ‘n’ Toddler group, Raising funds for South Marston Tots ‘n’ Toddler group, Raising funds for South Marston Tots ‘n’ Toddler group, Raising funds for South Marston Tots ‘n’ Toddler group,

South Marston School and South Marston Village HallSouth Marston School and South Marston Village HallSouth Marston School and South Marston Village HallSouth Marston School and South Marston Village Hall

100 CLUB

February 2010

£10 each to:

73 – Mrs B Rudnik 48 – Dave Fletcher 118 – Mitchy Motors 79 – Kevin & Sue

If you would like a number in the 100 Club please contact Rachel on 832719 or email smra@sky.com - it will only cost you £1 per month.

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Friendly Club

Members please note it is the start of our summer time programme and the meeting on 13th April starts at 7.00 pm.

Recent Events Returning to the club, Ian Purvis talked to us on 9th March about his large and interesting collection of Sea Shells, and where they were collected.

Future Events Tuesday13th April – Village Hall at 7.00pm. A talk on the history of the ukulele by Richard Bending

followed by a sing-along with Barry and Chris.

Tuesday 11th May – in the Village Hall at 7.00pm An evening of yarns and poems by Ray Bewes.

Outings

Saturday 8th May – 9.00am – 6.00pm - pick up & return outside village school. Trip to the Malvern Spring Show. Members £24.00, non members £28.00

Annual Holiday This year the annual holiday is at the Manor Hotel

Exmouth from Monday 4th October to 8th October inclusive. The cost for members and non members

is £229.00 per person for a twin room with 2 adults sharing.

This includes bed, breakfast and evening meal.

If you are over 50 years old and would like to join us on any of our trips

or come on the holiday with us you will be most welcome.

To book a place or for more information contact Brian 826243 or Josie 828080.

Gardening Club

Recent Events On Monday 1st March we had our A.G.M. followed by Gloria’s quiz.

7 teams battled it out, and after a few light hearted debates over one or two answers Edith's team was triumphant.

Future Events Our next meeting is on Monday 12 April at 7.30pm ( please note this is the second Monday of the month due to Easter). Our speaker this

month will be Mr. Bolton talking about "Spring Planting".

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South Marston Youth Club

DAY DATE AGES VENUE

Monday 05 April 10-13 years Village Hall

Friday 09 April 6 – 9 years Village Hall

Monday 19 April 10-13 years Village Hall

Friday 23 April 6 – 9 years Village Hall

For more details please contact Julie or Steve Hatherall

e-mail: hatherall24@yahoo.co.uk tel: 07923 441 296

February dates are shown below:

Our AGM is on Mon 26 April 2010 at 7pm in the Carriers. All welcome.

Helpers Needed! Adult youth club helpers are required for South Marston Youth Club

on Mondays 6-8.30pm (for 10-13 year olds) and/or Fridays 6-8.30pm

(6-9 year olds) fortnightly to help the youth leaders supervise the

children during youth club sessions, and help with tidying up the

village hall at the end of the session. When activities take place away

from the village hall, to help supervise the children on the journey

and during the activity. No specific skills required, except an ability

to communicate well with young people.

We are a friendly, lively bunch and enjoy sporting activities as well as

creative activities and if you have in interest in Youth Work then

this is a good starting place to gain experience. CRB check essential,

but we will obtain and pay for this.

Please contact Julie or Steve for further information 07857310624

or hatherall24@yahoo.co.uk.

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POLICE SURGERIES

The next Police Surgery is being held on

Thursday 22nd April at 7 pm.

Meadow Room, South Marston Hotel

If there is anything you would like to discuss with them then please

drop in. If you have any problems in your area or there is a forthcoming

priority you would like to talk about then please come along.

The police surgeries are run by our local Neighbourhood Policing Team

(NPT). South Marston comes under Swindon Rural North where PC Craig

Rathbone is the Community Beat Manager and Robert Dentry is the Police

Community Support Officer.

Youth Club Spring Fayre Sat 15 May 2010

2-5pm

in the Village Hall

Refreshments, Tombola,

Tuck Shop, Second-hand

Toy Stall, Bric-a-brac,

Raffle, Cakes, Stocks,

and Games.

Raising funds for the Youth Club.

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Early Bird Dining at The South Marston Hotel

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays

throughout April & May 2010

Dine with us between

5.30pm - 7.30pm

and Receive 50% off your total food bill!

(beverages not included in offer)

Booking Strongly advised

For more information or to make a reservation

please contact us on (01793) 833700 or

events@southmarstonhotel.com

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Call - 01793 822122 or 07801 490489

or email aswgardening@hotmail.co.uk

A S W Garden Company

Complete Gardening Care

• Lawn Mowing • Planting & Soft Landscaping

• Regular Maintenance • Hedge Cutting

• Pruning • Spring tidy ups

BOURTON ART GROUP 10-week Art Sessions 2010 All sessions are suitable for complete beginners

and leisure artists of all levels.

Monday morning sessions continue in Spring Term

This session will run each Monday from 12th April until 14th June

2010 from 10.00am until 12.00 midday.

There will then be a summer break!

Monday morning sessions continue in Autumn Term

This session will run each Monday from 27th September until

29th November 2010 from 10.00am until 12.00 midday

For further information (and booking form) please contact Margaret

on 01793 782927 or email mcintyre.malcolm@btinternet.com

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE BOURTON VILLAGE HALL & CHURCH

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Great British Fish and Chip Supper Friday 21

st May 2010

Want to raise money where you live or work? Want to eat Fish and Chips, while raising money for charity? Hold a fish and chip supper on Friday 21 May 2010 whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting SIA’s information and support services. You can hold a fish and chip supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre. SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting 7 friends and asking them to donate an additional £5.00 means you will raise at least £35.00 from your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more money for SIA. Last year we had over 80 suppers taking part in England and Wales. In 2010 we want to double that figure and ensure we can provide more support to spinal cord injured people. The money raised from the suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to individuals who become paralysed and their families, from the moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives by providing services and publications which enable and encourage paralysed people to lead independent lives. Every year in the UK over 1,000 people experience a spinal cord injury and there are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord injured people

in the UK alone. For more information or request a fundraising pack call Elizabeth Wright on 0845 678 6633 extn 229 or email fishandchips@spinal.co.uk or visit www.spinal.co.uk

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Useful Contacts: South Marston http://southmarston.org.uk

Parish Council Chair Colin McEwen T 825312

Parish Council Vice Chair Sheila Anderson-Witty T 825058

Clerk to the Parish Council Roger Powell T 827515

Parish Council Project Co-ord’r TBA

SMRA Chair Mary Case T 826038

SMRA Secretary Julie Hatherall T 826028

Village Hall Bookings Julie Hatherall T 07857 310624

Football Field Bookings Chris Maull T 824505

Tots and Toddlers Rachel Case T 832719

Youth Club Julie & Steve T 07923 441296

Gardening Club Mike New T 827807

Friendly Club Brian McGlone T 826243

History Society Darren Cook T 832999

Afternoon Home Group Shirley Wildern T 826160

Marston Minstrels Maureen Withers T 825660

SM Football Club Nigel Franklin T 766590

Spitfires Football Club Bev Maull T 824505

South Marston School Alison Lowe T 823379

Pre–School Pre-School Staff T 07847 590601

Swindon Borough Councillor Doreen Dart T 762033

Member of Parliament Anne Snelgrove T 615444

Team Rector to be appointed

Team Vicar Vicky Fleming T 827021

Church Wardens Richard Sansum T 831473

Donald Page T 825693

Useful Contacts Stanton Fitzwarren Some useful contact numbers for Stanton Fitzwarren are shown below,

which our readers may find useful:

Clerk to the Parish Council Zena May T 702869

WI President Margaret Parker T 762065

Village Hall Bookings Alison Charnock T 762093

St Leonards Church Wardens Liz Hillman T 762935

Sue Mackenzie T 765538